Object Histories

What kinds of stories can be told through objects? In this tutorial, we will explore how objects bring to light details about everyday life in the American colonies and the Atlantic world. From clothing and accessories to food and toys, objects provide a material record of how circulation, trade, and exchange shaped the lives of ordinary people. Throughout the semester, we will practice methods for interpreting objects, situating them in context, and incorporating them into scholarly projects. We will consider objects alongside advertisements, archival records, and site visits to local museums. By examining how objects were made and used, we will explore how material culture opens up possibilities for studying the lives of women, enslaved peoples, and Native Americans who frequently left fewer written records of their lives.

Worksheets & Forms

The following advising tools help guide students in reflecting on their goals and the coherence of their individualized work in the concentration. Concentrators complete these forms in consultation with their advisers.